"Speak, messire!" said the other, authoritatively.
"A knife that hung from the branch of a tree, it would seem. You have strange fashions among you here in Gueldres," said Gray, with returning anger.
"You are not yet in old Gueldreland, but in Brabant," replied the other; "you appear to be a stranger?"
"Yes, messire, I am a stranger," replied Sir Patrick, who had now mounted, gathered up his reins, and had his horse fully in hand, ready for any emergency, and resolved to admit of no molestation.
"May I ask what object takes you towards Gueldreland?"
"You may, messire, but what if I decline to reply?"
"I can prove that I have the right to ask such questions, and to enforce answers."
"I am come from the court of Scotland to visit old Duke Arnold—is he in Gueldres?"
"No; in Brabant."
"That is unfortunate."